Hybrid rotor blades for turbine engines

ABSTRACT

A gas turbine that includes a rotor blade that includes an airfoil. The airfoil may include non-integral portions in which: a base portion is made from a first material; and a top portion is made from a second material. The airfoil may include a connector securing the base portion to the top portion of the airfoil, wherein the connector comprises a wire-lock connector that includes: a tab extending from one of the base portion and the top portion; a complimentary slot for receiving the tab formed in the other one of the base portion and the top portion; a first groove formed in a side of the tab; a second groove formed in a side of the slot; a retaining aperture formed cooperatively via an alignment of the first and second grooves upon the tab being received into the slot; and a retaining wire housed within the retaining aperture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This present application relates to rotor blades in gas turbine engines.More specifically, but not by way of limitation, the present applicationrelates to the design and manufacture of rotor blades having hybridairfoils for use in turbine engines.

Generally, combustion or gas turbine engines (hereinafter “gasturbines”) include compressor and turbine sections in which rows ofblades are axially stacked in stages. Each stage typically includes arow of circumferentially-spaced stator blades, which are fixed, and arow of rotor blades, which rotate about a central turbine axis or shaft.In operation, generally, the compressor rotor blades are rotated aboutthe shaft, and, acting in concert with the stator blades, compress aflow of air. This supply of compressed air then is used within acombustor to combust a supply of fuel. The resulting flow of hotexpanding combustion gases, which is often referred to as working fluid,is then expanded through the turbine section of the engine. Within theturbine, the working fluid is redirected by the stator blades onto therotor blades so to power rotation. The rotor blades are connected to acentral shaft such that the rotation of the rotor blades rotates theshaft. In this manner, the energy contained in the fuel is convertedinto the mechanical energy of the rotating shaft, which, for example,may be used to rotate the rotor blades of the compressor, so to producethe supply of compressed air needed for combustion, as well as, forexample, rotate the coils of a generator so to generate electricalpower. During operation, because of the temperatures of the hot-gaspath, the velocity of the working fluid, and the rotational velocity ofthe engine, the rotor blades within the turbine become particularlystressed with extreme mechanical and thermal loads.

Many industrial applications, such as those involving power generationand aviation, still rely heavily on gas turbines, and because of this,the engineering of more efficient engines remains an importantobjective. Even incremental advances in machine performance, efficiency,or cost-effectiveness provide a significant edge in the increasinglycompetitive markets affected by this technology. While there are severalknown strategies for improving the efficiency of gas turbines—such as,for example, increasing the size of the engine, increasing thetemperatures through the hot-gas path, or increasing the rotationalvelocities of the rotor blades—each of these generally places additionalstrain on the blades and other hot-gas path components, which arealready nearing the limits of conventional designs. As a result, thereremains a need for improved apparatus, methods, and/or systems capableof alleviating such operational stresses or, alternatively, enhancingthe durability of the components to better withstand them. This need isparticularly evident in regard to turbine rotor blades, wheremarketplace competitiveness is exceedingly high and the many designconsiderations are interrelated and complex. As such, novel rotor bladedesigns, such as those presented herein, that balance theseconsiderations in ways that optimize or enhance one or more desiredperformance criteria—while still adequately promoting structuralrobustness, part-life longevity, cost-effective engine operation, and/orthe efficient usage of coolant—represent technological advances ofconsiderable value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present application thus describes a gas turbine that includes arotor blade that includes an airfoil. The airfoil is defined between apressure face and a laterally opposed suction face, the pressure faceand the suction face extending axially between opposite leading andtrailing edges and radially between an outboard tip and a connectionwith a root of the rotor blade. The airfoil may include non-integralportions in which: a base portion of the airfoil is made from a firstmaterial; and a top portion of the airfoil is made from a secondmaterial. The airfoil may include a connector securing the base portionto the top portion of the airfoil, wherein the connector comprises awire-lock connector that includes: a tab extending from one of the baseportion and the top portion; a complimentary slot for receiving the tabformed in the other one of the base portion and the top portion; a firstgroove formed in a side of the tab; a second groove formed in a side ofthe slot; a retaining aperture formed cooperatively via an alignment ofthe first and second grooves upon the tab being received into the slot;and a retaining wire housed within the retaining aperture.

These and other features of the present application will become apparentupon review of the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments when taken in conjunction with the drawings and the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of this invention will be more completelyunderstood and appreciated by careful study of the following moredetailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary gas turbine thatmay include turbine blades according to possible aspects and embodimentsof the present application;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the compressor section of the gas turbineof FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the turbine section of the gas turbine ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary turbine rotor blade that includesan internal cooling configuration and structural arrangement accordingto possible aspects and embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 5 is a section view along sight line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a section view along sight line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a section view along sight line 7-7 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary turbine rotor blade havinga part-span shroud that includes configuration according to possibleaspects and embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 9 is a disassembled perspective view of an exemplary rotor bladehaving a hybrid airfoil and dovetail connector according to possibleaspects and embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary rotor blade having ahybrid airfoil with dovetail connector embodiment demonstrating a methodof assembly;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary rotor blade having ahybrid airfoil with dovetail connector according to possible aspects andembodiments of the present application;

FIG. 12 is a disassembled side view of an exemplary rotor blade having ahybrid airfoil with wire-lock connector according to possible aspectsand embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 13 is a disassembled side view of an exemplary rotor blade having ahybrid airfoil with wire-lock connector according to possible aspectsand embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional front view of an exemplary rotor bladehaving a hybrid airfoil with wire-lock connector according to possibleaspects and embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 15 is a disassembled perspective view of an exemplary rotor bladehaving a hybrid airfoil with pin connector according to possible aspectsand embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 16 is an assembled transparent view of an exemplary rotor bladehaving a hybrid airfoil with pin connector according to possible aspectsand embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 17 is a disassembled perspective view of an exemplary rotor bladehaving a hybrid airfoil with pin connector according to possible aspectsand embodiments of the present application; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an exemplary rotor blade having ahybrid airfoil with pin connector according to possible aspects andembodiments of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the present application are set forth below inthe following description, or may be obvious from the description, ormay be learned through practice of the disclosure. Reference will now bemade in detail to present embodiments of the disclosure, one or moreexamples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Thedetailed description uses numerical designations to refer to features inthe drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings anddescription may be used to refer to like or similar parts of embodimentsof the disclosure. As will be appreciated, each example is provided byway of explanation, not limitation of the disclosure. In fact, it willbe apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications andvariations can be made in the present disclosure without departing fromthe scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated ordescribed as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment toyield a still further embodiment. It is intended that the presentdisclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within thescope of the appended claims and their equivalents. It is to beunderstood that the ranges and limits mentioned herein include allsub-ranges located within the prescribed limits, inclusive of the limitsthemselves unless otherwise stated. Additionally, certain terms havebeen selected to describe the present invention and its componentsubsystems and parts. To the extent possible, these terms have beenchosen based on terminology common to the technology field. Still, itwill be appreciated that such terms often are subject to differinginterpretations. For example, what may be referred to herein as a singlecomponent, may be referenced elsewhere as consisting of multiplecomponents, or, what may be referenced herein as including multiplecomponents, may be referred to elsewhere as being a single component.Thus, in understanding the scope of the present disclosure, attentionshould not only be paid to the particular terminology used, but also tothe accompanying description and context, as well as the structure,configuration, function, and/or usage of the component being referencedand described, including the manner in which the term relates to theseveral figures, as well as, of course, the usage of the terminology inthe appended claims. The following examples are presented in relation toparticular types of turbine engines. However, it should be understoodthat the technology of the present application may be applicable toother categories of turbine engines, without limitation, as would beappreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the relevant technologicalarts. Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, the usage herein of the term“turbine engine” is intended broadly and without limiting the usage ofthe claimed invention with different types of turbine engines, includingvarious types of combustion or gas turbine engines as well as steamturbine engines.

Given the nature of how turbine engines operate, several terms may proveparticularly useful in describing certain aspects of their function. Forexample, the terms “downstream” and “upstream” are used herein toindicate position within a specified conduit or flowpath relative to thedirection of flow or “flow direction” of a fluid moving through it.Thus, the term “downstream” refers to the direction in which a fluid isflowing through the specified conduit, while “upstream” refers to thedirection opposite that. These terms should be construed as referring tothe flow direction through the conduit given normal or anticipatedoperation. Given the configuration of turbine engines, particularly thearrangement of the components about a common or central shaft or axis,terms describing position relative to an axis may be used regularly. Inthis regard, it will be appreciated that the term “radial” refers tomovement or position perpendicular to an axis. Related to this, it maybe required to describe relative distance from the central axis. In suchcases, for example, if a first component resides closer to the centralaxis than a second component, the first component will be described asbeing either “radially inward” or “inboard” of the second component. If,on the other hand, the first component resides further from the centralaxis than the second, the first component will be described as beingeither “radially outward” or “outboard” of the second component. As usedherein, the term “axial” refers to movement or position parallel to anaxis, while the term “circumferential” refers to movement or positionaround an axis. Unless otherwise stated or made plainly apparent bycontext, these terms should be construed as relating to the central axisof the turbine as defined by the shaft extending therethrough, even whenthese terms are describing or claiming attributes of non-integralcomponents—such as rotor or stator blades—that function therein.Finally, the term “rotor blade” is a reference to the blades that rotateabout the central axis of the turbine engine during operation, while theterm “stator blade” is a reference to the blades that remain stationary.

By way of background, referring now with specificity to the figures,FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate an exemplary gas turbine engine (or “gasturbine”) in accordance with the present invention or within which thepresent invention may be used. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a gas turbine10 includes an upstream compressor section (or “compressor”) 11 that ismechanically coupled by a common shaft or rotor to a downstream turbinesection (or “turbine”) 12. A combustor 13 is positioned between thecompressor 11 and the turbine 12. The gas turbine 10 is formed about acommon central axis 19.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary multi-staged axial compressor 11 that may beused in the gas turbine of FIG. 1. As shown, the compressor 11 may havea plurality of stages, each of which include a row of compressor rotorblades 14 and a row of compressor stator blades 15. Thus, a first stagemay include a row of compressor rotor blades 14, which rotate about acentral shaft, followed by a row of compressor stator blades 15, whichremain stationary during operation.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary turbine section orturbine 12 that may be used in the gas turbine of FIG. 1. The turbine 12also may include a plurality of stages. Three exemplary stages areillustrated, but more or less may be present. Each stage may include aplurality of turbine nozzles or stator blades 17, which remainstationary during operation, followed by a plurality of turbine bucketsor rotor blades 16, which rotate about the shaft during operation. Theturbine stator blades 17 generally are circumferentially spaced one fromthe other and fixed about the axis of rotation to an outer casing. Theturbine rotor blades 16 may be mounted on a turbine wheel or rotor disc(not shown) for rotation about a central axis. It will be appreciatedthat the turbine stator blades 17 and turbine rotor blades 16 lie in thehot gas path or working fluid flowpath through the turbine 12. Thedirection of flow of the combustion gases or working fluid within theworking fluid flowpath is indicated by the arrow.

In one example of operation for the gas turbine 10, the rotation ofcompressor rotor blades 14 within the axial compressor 11 may compress aflow of air. In the combustor 13, energy may be released when thecompressed air is mixed with a fuel and ignited. The resulting flow ofhot gases or working fluid from the combustor 13 is then directed overthe turbine rotor blades 16, which induces the rotation of the turbinerotor blades 16 about the shaft. In this way, the energy of the flow ofworking fluid is transformed into the mechanical energy of the rotatingblades and, given the connection between the rotor blades and the shaft,the rotating shaft. The mechanical energy of the shaft may then be usedto drive the rotation of the compressor rotor blades 14, such that thenecessary supply of compressed air is produced, and also, for example, agenerator to produce electricity.

FIGS. 4 through 7 provide views of a turbine rotor blade 16 inaccordance with or within which aspects of the present invention may bepracticed. As will be appreciated, these figures are provided toillustrate common configurations of rotor blades and delineate spatialrelationships between components and regions within such blades forlater reference, while also describing geometric constraints and othercriteria that affect the internal and external design thereof. While theblade of this example is a rotor blade, it will be appreciated that,unless otherwise stated, the present invention also may be applied toother types of blades within the gas turbine. As stated above,description of such components may include terminology that derivesmeaning based on the orientation and function of the gas turbine engineand, more specifically, the orientation and function within workingfluid flowpath. Thus, for example, where contextually applicable,description related to the rotor blade may be understood assuming therotor blade is properly installed and functioning within the engineunder anticipated or normal operating conditions.

The rotor blade 16, as illustrated, may include a root 21 that isconfigured for attaching to a rotor disc. The root 21, for example, mayinclude a connector 22 configured for mounting in a correspondingdovetail slot in the perimeter of a rotor disc. The root 21 may furtherinclude a shank 23 that extends between the connector 22 and a platform24. The platform 24, as shown, generally forms the junction between theroot 21 and an airfoil 25, with the airfoil 25 being the activecomponent of the rotor blade 16 that intercepts the flow of workingfluid through the turbine 12 and induces the desired rotation. Theplatform 24, thus, may define the inboard end of the airfoil 25. Theplatform also may define a section of the inboard boundary of theworking fluid flowpath through the turbine 12.

The airfoil 25 of the rotor blade may typically include a concavepressure face 26 and a circumferentially or laterally opposite convexsuction face 27. The pressure face 26 and suction face 27 may extendaxially between opposite leading and trailing edges 28, 29,respectively, and, in the radial direction, between an inboard end,which may be defined at the junction with the platform 24, and anoutboard tip 31. The airfoil 25 may include a curved or contoured shapethat is designed for promoting desired aerodynamic performance. Asillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the shape of the airfoil 25 may tapergradually as it extends between the platform 24 and the outboard tip 31.The tapering may include an axial tapering that narrows the distancebetween the leading edge 28 and the trailing edge 29 of the airfoil 25,as illustrated in FIG. 4, as well as a circumferential tapering thatreduces the thickness of the airfoil 25 as defined between the suctionface 26 and the pressure face 27, as illustrated in FIG. 5. As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the contoured shape of the airfoil 25 may further includea twisting about the longitudinal axis of the airfoil 25 as it extendsfrom the platform 24. As will be appreciated, the twisting may beincluded so to vary a stagger angle for the airfoil 25 gradually betweenthe inboard end and outboard tip 31.

For descriptive purposes, as shown in FIG. 4, the airfoil 25 of therotor blade 16 may further be described as including a leading edgesection or half and trailing edge section or half defined to each sideof an axial midline 32. The axial midline 32, according to its usageherein, may be formed by connecting the midpoints 34 of the camber lines35 of the airfoil 25 between the platform 24 and the outboard tip 31.Additionally, the airfoil 25 may be described as including two radiallystacked sections defined inboard and outboard of a radial midline 33 ofthe airfoil 25. Thus, as used herein, an inboard section or half of theairfoil 25 extends between the platform 24 and the radial midline 33,while an outboard section or half extends between the radial midline 33and the outboard tip 31. Finally, the airfoil 25 may be described asincluding a pressure face section or half and a suction face section orhalf, which, as will be appreciated are defined to each side of thecamber line 35 of the airfoil 25 and the corresponding face 26, 27 ofthe airfoil 25.

The rotor blade 16 may further include an internal cooling configuration36 having one or more cooling channels 37 through which a coolant iscirculated during operation. Such cooling channels 37 may extendradially outward from a connection to a supply source formed through theroot 21 of the rotor blade 16. The cooling channels 37 may be linear,curved or a combination thereof, and may include one or more outlet orsurface ports through which coolant is exhausted from the rotor blade 16and into the working fluid flowpath.

FIG. 8 provides views of an exemplary turbine rotor blade having amidspan or part-span shroud in accordance with the present invention orwithin which aspects of the present invention may be practiced.Specifically, a perspective view is provided of a rotor blade 16 inwhich the airfoil 25 includes an exemplary part-span shroud 75. Ingeneral, the part-span shroud 75 is configured to span betweenneighboring airfoils within a row of installed rotor blades 16.Part-span shrouds are generally positioned to coincide radially with themiddle region of the airfoil 25. Accordingly, part-span shrouds 75 maybe positioned near the radial midline 33 of the airfoil 25, as shown inFIG. 4. According to a definition used herein, part-span shrouds 75 maybe defined broadly as a shroud positioned inboard of an outboard tip 31of the airfoil 25 and outboard of a platform 24. According to anotherdefinition used herein, a part-span shroud 75 also may be defined as onedisposed within a radial range of the airfoil 25. Thus, according tocertain embodiments, this radial range of may be defined as beingbetween an inboard boundary of approximately 25% of the radial height ofthe airfoil 25 and an outboard boundary of approximately 85% of theradial height of the airfoil 25. According to other more specificembodiments, the range of positions of a part-span shroud 75 is definedas being between an inboard boundary of approximately 33% of the radialheight of the airfoil 25 and an outboard boundary of approximately 66%of the radial height of the airfoil 25.

The part-span shroud 75 may include wing-like projections extending fromthe sides of the airfoil 25. Each of these wing-like projections may bereferred to according to the face 26, 27 of the airfoil 25 from which itextends. Thus, for descriptive purposes herein, the part-span shroud 75is reference as including a pressure wing 76 that juts from the pressureface 26 of the airfoil 25, and a suction wing 77 that juts from thesuction face 27 of the airfoil 25. As illustrated, each of the wings 76,77 may be configured as an axially and circumferentially juttingcomponent that is comparatively thin in the radial dimension compared tothe radial height of the airfoil 25. Each of the wings 76, 77 of thepart-span shroud 75 may be configured to functionally cooperate with theopposite one of the wings 76, 77 of a neighboring rotor blade positionednext to it within the blade row. Specifically, the pressure wing 76 thatextends from the pressure face 26 of a first rotor blade 16 may beconfigured to cooperate with the suction wing 77 that extends from thesuction face 27 of a second rotor blade 16 that resides to one side ofthe first rotor blade 16. Similarly, the suction wing 77 that extendsfrom the suction face 27 of the first rotor blade 16 may be configuredto cooperate with the pressure wing 76 that extends from the pressureface 26 of a third rotor blade 16 that resides to the other side of thefirst rotor blade 16. In this manner, the part-span shrouds 75 may beused to create a point of contact between the airfoils 25 of adjacentrotor blades 16 during operation. This contact may be intermittent orconstant and may depend upon an operating mode of the gas turbine. Aswill be appreciated, the linking of the airfoils 25 of rotor blades 16in this manner may be done to increase the natural frequency of theassembly and dampen operational vibrations, which may reduce the overallmechanical stresses on the rotor blades 16 and prolong useful life. Asused herein, a distal end of the pressure wing is designed as a pressurewing circumferential face 86, and a distal end of the suction wing isdesignated as a suction wing circumferential face 87.

Turning now to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, FIGS. 9through 18 present turbine rotor blades that have a hybrid airfoildesign in which a top portion of the airfoil is made from a differentmaterial than a base portion of the airfoil. In preferred embodiments,the top portion is made from a lighter material, such as a compositematerial, while the base portion remains a heavier material, such as ametal. As will be appreciated, most conventional rotor blades are madeentirely of metal, and, because of the resulting weight, requiresignificant cooling air and robust root structure to satisfy componentlife requirements. By replacing the top portion of the airfoil with alighter material in the ways suggested herein, the centrifugal pull loadon the rotor blade can be reduced significantly. This reduction can beused to lengthen the life of the rotor blade, reduce reliance on coolingair, and/or enable higher firing temperatures, all of which mayfacilitate higher output and efficiency in gas turbines. In addition, aswill be seen, the present hybrid airfoil configurations allow for asimplified geometry for the top portion, which can greatly simplify theoverall manufacturing process, particularly compared to the making theentire rotor blade out of the composite material. In this way, the morecomplicated geometry of the base portion and root of the rotor blade canbe constructed out of metal via conventional processes, e.g., one-piececasting, while, in accordance with the present disclosure, thesimplified geometry of the top portion allows for efficient constructionwith composite materials and the conventional manufacturing processesassociated therewith.

Pursuant to the present disclosure, the composite top portion of theairfoil—which, as will be seen, may be constructed as a solid piece orhollowed to reduce weight even further—is secured to the metal baseportion of the blade via a connector. In accordance with the exemplaryembodiments presented below, this connector may take several differentforms, each of which has been found to effectively connect the differentmaterial types of the top and base airfoil portions in ways that promotea robust structure, improve stress spreading characteristics, and extendcomponent life, while also being cost-effective to manufacture. Inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment—with reference to FIGS. 9through 11—the connector includes a dovetail joint that creates aninterlocking fit between the base and top airfoil portions. Alternativeembodiments within this example include dovetail joints that are engagedaxially or circumferentially. In accordance with another embodiment—withreference to FIGS. 12 through 14—the connector includes what will bereferred to herein as a “wire-lock” to secure the top to the baseportion of the airfoil. Finally—with reference to FIGS. 15 through18—the connector includes a pin connector in which one or more pinssecure the top to the base portion of the airfoil. As discussed below,alternatives within this type of configuration include single or doublepin arrangements.

Further, in accordance with exemplary embodiments, the hybrid airfoilmay include a part-span shroud that is positioned near or adjacent tothe dividing or interface line that separates the two airfoil portions.The incorporation of a part-span shroud into hybrid airfoil designs hasbeen found to provide several advantages. For example, because part-spanshrouds provide points of contact between neighboring airfoils, theiruse with hybrid airfoils can be leveraged to provide additional supportat critical locations at or very near the interface of the differentmaterials, which may alleviate particular stress concentrationsoccurring at the joint and extend useful life. Along with supporting theairfoil, part-span shrouds also can be used to reduce vibrations thatotherwise could prematurely wear the connectors of hybrid airfoils.Another benefit of using part-span shrouds includes the spatialadvantage they provide to hybrid airfoil connectors. As will beseen—particularly with regard to the pin connectors—certain features ofthe connectors can be integrated into the additional space provided bythe part-span shrouds without degrading their function or performance.

A few general characteristics and features regarding the hybrid airfoilsof the present disclosure will now be discussed. Unless otherwisestated, it is intended that each of these are applicable to each of theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 18 and discussed below.Additionally, in understanding the present disclosure, it should beappreciated that when rotor blades and airfoil components are describedin relation to directional or orientation characteristics, these relateto the turbine engine in which the components are used. Thus, unlessotherwise stated, this type of description assumes that the component isproperly installed and functioning within the turbine engine, e.g., gasturbine. As used herein, such gas turbine orientation characteristicsmay include relative radial, axial, and circumferential positioningdefined in relation to the central axis of the gas turbine that extendsthrough the compressor and turbine. Also, a forward direction and anaftward direction are defined relative to the compressor beingpositioned at the forward end of the gas turbine and the turbine beingpositioned at the aftward end of the gas turbine.

First, with general reference to exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 9through 18, the airfoil 25 may be an airfoil or blade used in a turbineengine. More specifically, the airfoil 25 may be an airfoil of a rotorblade 16, for example, a turbine rotor blade, in a gas turbine. Asalready discussed, the airfoil 25 may generally extend between aconnection with a root 21 of the rotor blade and an outboard tip 31 ofthe airfoil 25.

As will be seen, the airfoil 25 may be a hybrid airfoil, which is formedby connecting non-integral portions of the airfoil. As used herein, thenon-integral portions include a base portion 101 and a top portion 102.Each of the base portion 101 and the top portion 102 may be defined as aradial section of the airfoil 25. Along the surface of the airfoil 25,the base portion 101 and the top portion 102 may abut or join along aninterface line 106 (shown in FIGS. 11 and 16). The base portion 101 ofthe airfoil 25 may include an outboard face 107, which, as will beappreciated, is the face that abuts the top portion 102 upon assemblytherewith. The base portion 101, thus, may be described as the radialsection of the airfoil 25 that extends between the connection that theairfoil 25 makes with the root 21 and the outboard face 107. The topportion 102 of the airfoil 25 may include an inboard face 108, which, aswill be appreciated, is the face that abuts the base portion 101 uponassembly therewith. The top portion 102, thus, may be described as theradial section of the airfoil 25 extending between the outboard tip 31and the inboard face 108. As will be appreciated, the periphery of theoutboard face 107 of the base portion 101 and the periphery of theinboard face 108 of the top portion 102 abut to form the interface line106.

Second, with continued reference generally to FIGS. 9 through 18, thebase portion 101 and top portion 102 may be configured so that theinterface line 106 occurs near or within the middle portion of theairfoil 25. For example, according to exemplary embodiments the radialheight of the top portion 102 is between 25% and 55% of the radialheight of the airfoil 25 (i.e., the height of both the base portion 101and the top portion 102). Further, when the airfoil 25 includes apart-span shroud 75, the airfoil 25 may be configured so that interfaceline 106 is positioned near or adjacent to the part-span shroud 75. Inaccordance with preferred embodiments, for example, the base portion 101and top portion 102 of the airfoil 25 are configured such that theinterface line 106 is positioned outboard of the part-span shroud 75 aswell as near or adjacent to it.

Third, with continued reference generally to FIGS. 9 through 18, the topportion 102 of the airfoil 25 may include a hollow chamber or pocket109. For example, according to a preferred embodiment, the hollow pocket109 may extend into the top portion 102 from an opening 110 formedthrough the outboard tip 31 of the airfoil 25. In accordance with thepresent disclosure, one reason for the hollow pocket 109 is to removeweight from the top portion 102 of the airfoil 25. Thus, the hollowpocket 109 may be configured to have a significant volume relative tothe volume of the top portion 102. In accordance with exemplaryembodiments, for example, the hollow pocket 109 has a volume that isgreater than ¼ of the volume of the top portion 102.

Finally, with continued reference generally to FIGS. 9 through 18, inaccordance with exemplary embodiments, the base portion 101 and the topportion 102 of the airfoil 25 are made from different materials. Thatis, the airfoil 25 may be constructed by connecting non-integralportions in which: the base portion 101 is made from a first material;and the top portion 102 is made from a second material. In general, thematerial chosen for the base portion 101 is a heavier material than theone chosen for the top portion 102. As already discussed, one reason forthis configuration is to remove weight from the outer radial portion ofthe airfoil 25 and, thereby, significantly reduce pull loads duringoperation. In accordance with exemplary embodiments, the first materialof the base portion 101 is a metal, for example, a steel or nickelalloy. In accordance with exemplary embodiments, the second material ofthe top portion 102 is a composite material, for example, a ceramicmatrix composite. Other materials are also possible.

With specific reference now to FIGS. 9 through 11, a connector 100 isshown that creates an interlocking fit between the non-integral portionsof the airfoil 25, i.e., the base portion 101 and the top portion 102.In this case, the connector 100 is a dovetail joint 105, which securesthe top portion 102 to the base portion 101 of the airfoil 25.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the dovetail joint 105 willbe described as having complimentary interlocking features formed onopposing sides between the base portion 101 and the top portion 102,which, upon assembly, form a connection therebetween. A first feature ofthe dovetail joint 105 will be referred to herein as a “dovetail” 111.This terminology, however, is not meant to be limiting and, unlessotherwise qualified, is intended to broadly refer to the male componentof an interlocking connector or dovetail joint. The dovetail 111, thus,may be defined generally as a shaped projection extending from a surfacethat has a cross-sectional profile that flares or enlarges as it extendsaway from that surface (or, from another perspective, tapers or narrowsas it approaches that surface). A second feature of the dovetail joint105 will be referred to herein as a “dovetail groove” 112, which is thecomplementary feature configured to receive the dovetail 111 and,thereby, form the interlocking connection. Again, this terminology isnot meant to be limiting and, unless otherwise qualified, it is intendedto broadly refer to the female component of an interlocking connector ordovetail joint. Thus, the dovetail groove 111 may be defined a shapedgroove formed within a surface that widens as it extends further intothat surface (or, from another perspective, narrows as it nears thatsurface).

Accordingly, as used herein, the dovetail joint 105 is a connectorhaving at least one such dovetail 111 received and retailed within atleast one such complementary dovetail groove 112. As will beappreciated, the dovetail 111 and the dovetail groove 112 may be formedon opposite ones of the base portion 101 and the top portion 102 of theairfoil 25. For example, the dovetail 111 may be formed on the baseportion 101 of the airfoil 25 or, as shown in the illustrated examples,the dovetail 111 may be formed on the top portion 102 of the airfoil 25.The dovetail groove 112 may be formed on the top portion 102 of theairfoil 25 or, as illustrated, the dovetail groove 112 may be formed onthe base portion 101 of the airfoil 25.

For example, the dovetail 111 may have a cross-sectional shape thatenlarges as it extends away from the surface on which it is formed,which may include either the outboard face 107 or the inboard face 108of the base portion 101 or top portion 102, respectively. The dovetailgroove 112 may have a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to that ofthe dovetail 111, which results in the dovetail groove 112 becomingnarrower as it nears the surface into which it is formed, which mayinclude either the outboard face 107 or the inboard face 108 of the baseportion 101 or the top portion 102 of the airfoil 25, respectively. Asused herein, the surface opening through which the dovetail groove 112is formed may be referred to as a “mouth” 113. In accordance with thepresent disclosure, the dovetail joint 105 is configured such thatengagement of the dovetail 111 within the dovetail groove 112 restrictsthe top portion 102 from radially separating from the base portion 101of the airfoil 25. It has been found that, among several advantages, theinterlocking dovetail joint 105 forms effective resistance against thetensional stresses that are applied to the airfoil 25 during operation.

As shown in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10, the dovetailjoint 105 of the present disclosure may be an axially engaged dovetailjoint. As used herein, an axially engaged dovetail joint is one that isengaged via relative axial movement (relative to the axis of the gasturbine) between the top portion 102 and the base portion 101 of theairfoil 25. As illustrated, in accordance with preferred embodiments,the dovetail 111 may be positioned on the inboard face 108 of the topportion 102, and the dovetail groove 112 may extend into the baseportion 101 from a mouth 113 defined on the outboard face 107 of thebase portion 101. Given this arrangement, the dovetail 111 has across-sectional shape that remains substantially constant over itslength, which is defined in the axial direction, while that profile iscontoured so that it enlarges in the circumferential direction as thedovetail 111 extends away from the inboard face 108 of the top portion102. The dovetail groove 112 has cross-sectional shape that correspondsto the shape of the dovetail 111. Thus, the dovetail groove 112 has across-sectional shape that remains substantially constant over itslength, which is defined in the axial direction, while that profile iscontoured so that it widens in the circumferential direction as thedovetail groove 112 extends further into the outboard face 107 of thebase portion 101.

The dovetail 111 elongates between first and second ends, which, giventhe axial orientation of the dovetail 111, also may be referred to asforward and aftward ends. The positioning of these ends may vary. Asshown in FIG. 9, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the forwardend of the dovetail 111 is positioned at the leading edge 28 of theairfoil 25. In such cases, the forward end of the dovetail 111 defines aradial section of the leading edge 28 of the airfoil 25 once thedovetail 111 is fully engaged within the dovetail groove 112. The lengthof the dovetail 111 may vary. In accordance with exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 9, the length of the dovetail 111 is such that the aftward end ofthe dovetail 111 is positioned beyond an axial midline 32 of the airfoil25.

As the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10 shows, the dovetail 111 mayelongate between forward and aftward ends that are offset from theleading edge 28 and trailing edge 29 of the airfoil 25, respectively.That is, the forward end is offset a distance from the leading edge 28of the airfoil 25 and the aftward end is offset a distance from thetrailing edge 29 of the airfoil 25. In such cases, an assembly opening114 may be formed adjacent to the dovetail groove 112 for the purposesof connecting the dovetail joint 105. As will be appreciated, theassembly opening 114 is configured to accept the dovetail 111 so that,during installation, the dovetail 111 can be brought through theassembly opening 114 so to achieve a radial alignment with the dovetailgroove 112. Once this alignment is achieved, the dovetail 111 can bethen be slid into dovetail groove 112 via movement in an axialdirection. As shown in FIG. 10, multiple dovetails 111 and dovetailgrooves 112 pairings may be provided. In such cases, one of the assemblyopenings 114 is provided for each pair.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11, the dovetail joint 105of the present disclosure may be a circumferentially engaged dovetailjoint. As used herein, a circumferentially engaged dovetail joint is onethat is engaged via relative circumferential movement (relative to theaxis of the gas turbine) between the top portion 102 and the baseportion 101 of the airfoil 25. In this case, the dovetail joint 105 mayinclude a plurality of the dovetails 111 extending from the top portion102 and a plurality of the dovetail grooves 112 formed in the baseportion 101. Each of the plurality of the dovetails 111 may be retainedin a corresponding respective one of the plurality of the dovetailgrooves 112. The several interlocking dovetail/dovetail groove pairingsmay be used to provide effective resistance against tensional stressesapplied to the airfoil as well as enhancing stress spreadingcharacteristics within the joint. Unless specifically stated otherwise,it will be appreciated that the number and placement of the interlockingdovetail/dovetail groove pairings, as well as the specific profilethereof, may depend upon design criteria associated with specificapplications.

With specific reference to FIGS. 12 through 14, an alternative connector100 for use with hybrid airfoils is shown. In this case, a “wire-lockconnector” 115 is used to secure the top portion 102 to a base portion101 of the airfoil 25, which may include any of the airfoils describedabove. In accordance with the present disclosure, the wire-lockconnector 115 may include: a tab 117 extending from one of the baseportion 101 and the top portion 102; a complimentary slot 118 forreceiving the tab 117 formed in the other one of the base portion 101and the top portion 102; a first groove 121 formed in a side 123 of thetab 117; a second groove 122 formed in a side 124 of the slot 118; aretaining aperture 125 (see FIG. 14), which is formed cooperatively viaan alignment of the first groove 121 and second groove 122 once the tab117 is received fully into the slot 118; and a retaining wire 126, whichis housed within the retaining aperture 125 (as shown specifically inFIG. 14). Preferably the retaining wire 126 is sized so that it fillsthe first groove 121 and second groove 122 when it is installed withinthe retaining aperture 125. In this way, the retaining wire 126 createsa mechanical interference fit that restricts relative radial movementbetween the top portion 102 and the base portion 101 of the airfoil 25.Though other materials are possible, the retaining-wire 126 may be madefrom the same material as that of the base portion 101.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, the wire-lock connector 115may include an installation aperture 128. The installation aperture 128may extend through the airfoil 25 from an opening 129 formed on thesurface of the airfoil 25 to a position that aligns with one of the endsof the retaining aperture 125. As will be appreciated, the installationaperture 128 may be used for inserting the retaining wire 126 into theretaining aperture 125 once the tab 117 has been fully inserted into theslot 118 so to align the first and second grooves 121, 122. As will beappreciated, a continuation of the retaining wire 126 may remain in theinstallation aperture 128 once installation is complete.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, the tab 117 may be positionedon the inboard face 108 of the top portion 102 of the airfoil 25. Insuch cases, as will be appreciated, the slot 118 will be formed on thebase portion 101 of the airfoil 25, extending into the base portion 101from a mouth or opening defined on the outboard face 107 of the baseportion 101. The opposite placement of the tab 117 and slot 118 is alsopossible.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, the tab 117 elongates in anapproximate axial direction between a first end and a second end, whichmay also be referred to as a forward end and aftward end, respectively,due to their relative location. Preferably, the forward end of the tab117 is positioned to a forward side of an axial midline of the airfoil25, while the aftward end is positioned to an aftward side of the axialmidline. As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the forward end of thetab 117 may be offset a distance from the leading edge 28 of the airfoil25, and the aftward end of the tab 117 may be offset a distance from thetrailing edge of the airfoil 25.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, the retaining aperture 125 andretaining wire 126 housed therein may extend the full length of the tab117 or, in an alternate embodiment, a portion of the length of the tab117. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the retaining aperture 125 andthe retaining wire 126 housed therein may extend the full length of thetab 117. Optionally, as shown in the alternative of FIG. 12, theretaining aperture 125 and the retaining wire 126 housed therein mayextend over only a portion of the length of the tab 117. For example,the retaining aperture 125 and the retaining wire 126 housed therein mayextend from the forward end of the tab 117 to a position that is shortof the aftward end of the tab 117. In such cases, the retaining aperture125 and the retaining wire 126 housed therein preferably extend to aposition defined within a range of between 40% and 80% of the axiallength of the tab 117 (as measured from the forward end of the tab 117).

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in accordance with an alternativeembodiment, a supplemental connector 130 may be included with thewire-lock connector 115. For example, the supplemental connector 130 mayinclude a radial pin 131 and radial aperture 133 that are configured toform a second connection between the top portion 102 and the baseportion 101 of the airfoil 25. As illustrated, the radial pin 131 mayextend radially from the outboard face 107 of the base portion 101,while a complementary radial aperture 133 is formed in the inboard face108 of the top portion 102 for receiving the radial pin 131. Inaccordance with preferred embodiments, the supplemental connector 130 islocated aft of the tab 117 and slot 118 of the wire-lock connector 115.In this way, the supplemental connector 130 may be used to resist thetorsional loads applied to the airfoil 25 during operation.

While FIGS. 12 and 13 show only a single wire-lock connector 115, FIG.14 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which a plurality ofwire-lock connectors 115 are used. As illustrated, in this cases, asecond wire-lock connector 115 is formed on the opposite side of the tab117 from the first wire-lock connector 115. Other embodiments mayinclude a second wire-lock connector 115 being formed on the same sideof the tab 117 as the first wire-lock connector 115.

The features of the wire-lock connector 115 have been found to provideeffective resistance against tensional stresses applied to the airfoil25, while also being both efficiently constructed and repaired. Forexample, the retaining wire 126 is component that may be easilymanufactured or otherwise inexpensively obtained because of its simpleconfiguration. Further, the configuration of the wire-lock connector 115allows arrangements that result in the retaining wire 126 accumulatingmuch of the wear that occurs within the connector. Because the retainingwire 126 can be conveniently replaced as this wear accumulates, the lifeof the other, more costly components associated with the wire-lockconnector 115 can be inexpensively extended, while still maintaining therobustness of the connection between the airfoil portions.

With specific reference now to FIGS. 15 through 18, embodiments aredisclosed in which a pin connector 145 is used to secure the top portion102 to the base portion 101 of a hybrid airfoil 25, which may includeany of the airfoils already described above.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, the pin connector 145 mayinclude: a tab 147 extending from one of the base portion 101 and thetop portion 102; a complimentary slot 148 for receiving the tab 147(where the slot 148 is formed in the other one of the base portion 101and the top portion 102); an elongated pin cavity 150 formed through aninterior region of the airfoil 25 that is adjacent to the slot 148(where the pin cavity 150 intersects the slot 148 so that the pin cavity150 is divided into first and second pin cavity segments that extendaway from the slot 148 from first and second openings defined onopposing first and second sidewalls of the slot 148, respectively); atab aperture 151 formed through the tab 147 (where the tab aperture 151is positioned so to align with the pin cavity 150 upon the tab 147 beingreceived within the slot 148); and a locking pin 152 that extendscontinuously through the first segment of the pin cavity 150, the tabaperture 151, and the second segment of the pin cavity 150. As will beappreciated, given this arrangement, the locking pin 152, once engaged,restricts relative radial movement between the top portion 102 and thebase portion 101 of the airfoil 25 via the contact it makes with thesurrounding structure (i.e., the structure forming the pin cavity 150and the tab aperture 151).

The pin connector 145 may be formed with a single locking pin 152, asshown in the example of FIG. 17, or the pin connector 145 may includetwo locking pins 152, as shown in the examples of FIGS. 15 and 16. Inthe latter case, as illustrated, the pin connector 145 may include twopin cavities 150 and two respective locking pins 152, while having asingle tab 147 through which two of the tab apertures 151 are formed. Asecond pin cavity 150 may be axially offset from a first pin cavity 150,and a second tab aperture 151 may be axially offset from a first tabaperture 151. As will be appreciated, upon insertion of the tab 147 intothe slot 148, the first tab aperture 151 is positioned on the tab 147 sothat it aligns with the first pin cavity 150, while the second tabaperture 151 is positioned on the tab 147 so that it aligns with thesecond pin cavity 150. First and second locking pins 152 then may engagethe first and second pin cavities 150 and the first and second tabapertures 151, respectively. Though other materials are possible, theone or more locking pins 152 may be made from the same material as thatof the base portion 101 of the airfoil 25.

In accordance with the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 15-17,preferred embodiments of the pin connector 145 may include the tab 147being positioned on the inboard face 108 of the top portion 102. In suchcases, the pin cavity 150 is formed through an interior region of thebase portion 101 of the airfoil 25, and the slot 148 is formed in thebase portion 101 (i.e., with the slot 148 extending into the baseportion 101 from a mouth defined on the outboard face 107 of the baseportion 101). As shown, exemplary embodiments may include the tab 147being oriented so that it elongates in an approximate axial direction.Thus, the tab 147 may have first and second ends, where the first endhas a forward position relative to the second end.

The airfoil 25 may include a part-span shroud 75 positioned just inboardof the interface line 106. As will be seen, in accordance with thepresent disclosure, exemplary embodiments may include advantageouslyincorporating the locking pin 152 and pin cavity 150 with aspects of thepart-span shroud 75. As described above, the part-span shroud 75 mayinclude a pressure wing 76 extending from the pressure face of theairfoil 25 and a suction wing 77 extending from the suction face of theairfoil 25. Further, a distal end of the pressure wing 76 may include apressure wing circumferential face 86, and a distal end of the suctionwing 77 may include a suction wing circumferential face 87. Inaccordance with exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the pincavity 150 is defined within one of the pressure wing 76 and the suctionwing 77 of the part-span shroud 75. More specifically, the first segmentof the pin cavity 150 may extend between a first surface opening 155 andthe first opening defined on the first sidewall of the slot 148. Inpreferred embodiments, the first surface opening 155 is formed either onthe pressure wing circumferential face 86 or the suction wingcircumferential face 87 of the part-span shroud 75.

Alternative embodiments may include the locking pin 152 and pin cavity150 extending through both of the wings 76, 77 of the part-span shroud75. That is, the first segment of the pin cavity 150 may extend betweena first surface opening 155 and the first opening defined on the firstsidewall of the slot 148, and the second segment of the pin cavity 150may extend between a second surface opening 155 and the second openingdefined on the second sidewall of the slot 148. In such cases, the firstsurface opening 155 and the second surface opening 155 may be formed onthe pressure wing circumferential face 86 and the suction wingcircumferential face 87 of the part-span shroud 75, respectively. Aswill be appreciated, this results in the incorporation of the lockingpin 152 and pin cavity 150 into both of the wings 76, 77 of thepart-span shroud 75. In such cases, the ends of the locking pin 152 maybe positioned at or near the surface openings 155 of the pin cavity 150.Specifically, the locking pin 152 may be described as elongating betweenfirst and second ends, wherein the first end resides in proximity to thefirst surface opening 155, and the second end resides in proximity tothe opposing second surface opening 155.

In accordance with the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments mayinclude the locking pin 152 having a variable cross-sectional shape thattapers toward the first and second ends from a thicker middle portion.This shape may be effectively incorporated into the part-span shroud 75,as shown in the examples of FIGS. 17 and 18, because, typically, thepressure wing 76 and suction wing 77 together form a similar shape givenhow each tapers from a thicker region as it extends away from theairfoil 25. Thus, the locking pin 152 may be shaped to correspond withthe variable cross-sectional shape of the pressure and suction wings 76,77 of the part-span shroud 75, giving the locking pin 152 a thickerand—advantageous for the pin connector—stronger middle portion. The pincavity 150 may be configured to have a variable cross-sectional shapethat at least partly corresponds to the variable cross-sectional shapeof the locking pin 152. In a preferred embodiment, the variablecross-sectional shape of the pin cavity 150 narrows sufficiently at oneend to create a mechanical stop that aids in assembling the locking pin152, i.e., the mechanical stop prevents further insertions of thelocking pin 152 once the locking pin 152 has attained a fully installedposition within the pin cavity 150.

As shown in FIG. 18, exemplary embodiments may include the connectorhaving two separate pin connectors 145. In accordance with a preferredembodiment, the two pin connectors 145 are axially stacked. Further,exemplary embodiments may include tabs 147 being formed on both the baseand top portions 101, 102 of the airfoil 25. Thus, a first pin connector145 a may include a tab 147 positioned on the inboard face 108 of thetop portion 102 and an opposing slot 148 formed through the outboardface 107 of the base portion 101, while the second pin connector 145 bincludes a tab 147 positioned on the outboard face 107 of the baseportion 101 and an opposing slot 148 formed through the inboard face 108of the top portion 102.

As with the other connectors discussed above, the features of the pinconnector 145 have similarly been found to provide effective resistanceagainst tensional stresses applied to the airfoil 25, while also beingefficiently constructed and repaired. Further, in the same way asdescribed in relation to the retaining wire 126, the locking pin 152 ofthe pin connector 145 is a component that may be conveniently replacedas wear accumulates so to extend useful life of the connector.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the many varyingfeatures and configurations described above in relation to the severalexemplary embodiments may be further selectively applied to form theother possible embodiments of the present invention. For the sake ofbrevity and taking into account the abilities of one of ordinary skillin the art, all of the possible iterations are not provided or discussedin detail, though all combinations and possible embodiments embraced bythe several claims below or otherwise are intended to be part of thepresent application. In addition, from the above description of severalexemplary embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art willperceive improvements, changes and modifications. Such improvements,changes and modifications within the skill of the art are also intendedto be covered by the appended claims. Further, it should be apparentthat the foregoing relates only to the described embodiments of thepresent application and that numerous changes and modifications may bemade herein without departing from the spirit and scope of theapplication as defined by the following claims and the equivalentsthereof.

That which is claimed:
 1. A rotor blade for use in a turbine of aturbine engine, the rotor blade comprising: an airfoil that extends froma connection with a root to an outboard tip, the airfoil comprisingnon-integral portions in which: a base portion comprises a firstmaterial; and a top portion comprises a second material; a connectorsecuring the base portion to the top portion of the airfoil, wherein theconnector comprises a wire-lock connector that includes: a tab extendingfrom one of the base portion and the top portion; a complimentary slotfor receiving the tab formed in the other one of the base portion andthe top portion; a first groove formed in a side of the tab; a secondgroove formed in a side of the slot; a retaining aperture formedcooperatively via an alignment of the first and second grooves upon thetab being received into the slot; and a retaining wire housed within theretaining aperture.
 2. The rotor blade according to claim 1, wherein theretaining wire is sized to fill the first and second groove of theretaining aperture so to create a mechanical interference fit thatrestricts relative radial movement between the top portion and thebottom portion of the airfoil.
 3. The rotor blade according to claim 1,wherein the top portion and base portion each comprises a radiallydefined section of the airfoil that join along an interface line definedon a surface of the airfoil; wherein: the base portion of the airfoilcomprises an outboard face, the base portion of the airfoil extendingbetween the connection with the root and the outboard face; and the topportion of the airfoil comprises an inboard face, the top portionextending between the outboard tip and the inboard face; wherein aperiphery of the outboard face of the base portion and a periphery ofthe inboard face of the top portion abut to form the interface line. 4.The rotor blade according to claim 3, wherein a radial height of the topportion is between 25% and 55% of a radial height of the airfoil.
 5. Therotor blade according to claim 4, wherein the airfoil comprises apart-span shroud; and wherein the top and base portions of the airfoilare configured such that the interface line is positioned outboard ofand adjacent to the part-span shroud.
 6. The rotor blade according toclaim 3, wherein the airfoil is defined between a pressure face and alaterally opposed suction face, wherein the pressure face and thesuction face extend axially between opposite leading and trailing edgesand radially between the outboard tip and the connection with the root;and wherein the first material of the base portion is heavier than thesecond material of the top portion.
 7. The rotor blade according toclaim 6, wherein the first material of the base portion comprises ametal; and wherein the second material of the top portion comprises acomposite material.
 8. The rotor blade according to claim 6, wherein thefirst material of the base portion comprises a nickel alloy; and whereinthe second material of the top portion comprises a ceramic matrixcomposite.
 9. The rotor blade according to claim 6, wherein the topportion comprises a hollow pocket extending into the top portion from anopening formed through the outboard tip of the airfoil; wherein thehollow pocket comprises a volume greater than ¼ of a volume of the topportion of the airfoil.
 10. The rotor blade according to claim 6,wherein the wire-lock connector further comprises an installationaperture, the installation aperture extending from an opening formed onthe surface of the airfoil to a position that aligns with a first end ofthe retaining aperture; and wherein a continuation of the retaining wireis housed in the installation aperture.
 11. The rotor blade according toclaim 6, wherein the tab is positioned on the inboard face of the topportion; wherein the slot extends into the base portion from a mouthdefined on the outboard face of the base portion.
 12. The rotor bladeaccording to claim 11, wherein the tab elongates in an approximate axialdirection between a first end and a second end, the first end comprisinga forward position relative to the second end; and wherein: the firstend is positioned to a forward side of the axial midline of the airfoil;and the second end is positioned to an aftward side of the axialmidline.
 13. The rotor blade according to claim 11, wherein the tabelongates in an approximate axial direction between a first end and asecond end, the first end comprising a forward position relative to thesecond end; and wherein: the first end of the tab is offset a distancefrom the leading edge of the airfoil; the second end of the tab isoffset a distance from the trailing edge of the airfoil.
 14. The rotorblade according to claim 11, wherein the tab elongates in an approximateaxial direction between a first end and a second end, the first endcomprising a forward position relative to the second end; and whereinthe retaining aperture and the retaining wire housed therein extend fromthe first end of the tab to the second end of the tab.
 15. The rotorblade according to claim 11, wherein the tab elongates in an approximateaxial direction between a first end and a second end, the first endcomprising a forward position relative to the second end; and whereinthe retaining aperture and the retaining wire housed therein extend fromthe first end of the tab to a first position that is short of the secondend of the tab.
 16. The rotor blade according to claim 15, wherein thefirst position is defined within a range of between 40% and 80% of anaxial length of the tab measured from the first end of the tab.
 17. Therotor blade according to claim 6, wherein the airfoil further comprisesa supplemental connector connecting the top portion to the base portionof the airfoil; wherein the supplemental connector comprises: a radialpin extending from one of the base portion and the top portion; and acomplimentary radial aperture for receiving the radial pin formed in theother one of the base portion and the top portion; and wherein thesupplemental connector is positioned aft of the wire-lock connector. 18.The rotor blade according to claim 6, wherein the wire-lock connector ofthe connector comprises a first wire-lock connector; and wherein theconnector comprises a second wire-lock connector, the second wire-lockconnector being configured in the same manner as the first wire-lockconnector except for being disposed on an opposite side of the tab. 19.A gas turbine comprising a rotor blade that includes an airfoil that isdefined between a pressure face and a laterally opposed suction face,the pressure face and the suction face extending axially betweenopposite leading and trailing edges and radially between an outboard tipand a connection with a root of the rotor blade; wherein the airfoilcomprises non-integral portions in which: a base portion comprises afirst material; and a top portion comprises a second material; wherein aconnector secures the base portion to the top portion of the airfoil,wherein the connector comprises a wire-lock connector that includes: atab extending from one of the base portion and the top portion; acomplimentary slot for receiving the tab formed in the other one of thebase portion and the top portion; a first groove formed in a side of thetab; a second groove formed in a side of the slot; a retaining apertureformed cooperatively via an alignment of the first and second groovesupon the tab being received into the slot; and a retaining wire housedwithin the retaining aperture.
 20. The gas turbine according to claim19, wherein the top portion and base portion each comprises a radiallydefined section of the airfoil that join on a surface of the airfoilalong an interface line; wherein: the base portion of the airfoilcomprises an outboard face, the base portion of the airfoil extendingbetween the connection with the root and the outboard face; and the topportion of the airfoil comprises an inboard face, the top portionextending between the outboard tip and the inboard face; wherein aperiphery of the outboard face of the base portion and a periphery ofthe inboard face of the top portion abut to form the interface line; andwherein the airfoil comprises a part-span shroud positioned adjacent tothe interface line.